Built for War: April 2020

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

"What do you mean, 3145 isn't the deadline?"

After a lengthy hiatus, work is resuming. At least it'll be something to do in lockdown, right?

I’ve actually been working on getting rolling again for a bit already. The time away has not been entirely detrimental. When I resumed, I took some time to try and assess the problems with fresh eyes. Then spent some time finding solutions for them. I think the TRO will end up the better for it when it’s done.

What is Built for War?

Meet the Team

Josh DeBoe: Head Developer

I got started on Mechwarrior 2 back in 1995, and was interested in Battletech forever after. I didn't really get into the tabletop game until 2008, when I ran across a thread on Battletech and was drawn in. What really hooked me was the ability to design and build your own units and use them on the table alongside the official stuff. After years of designing mechs and helping others make their own, I decided to start work on a fan TRO to bring our designs to life. I've also been running a campaign set in 3145 since 2014, in which agents of SAFE try to protect the reformed FWL from exterior plots.

Chris Hart: Assistant Developer

I've been playing Battletech in one form or another since 1998, whether computer games or tabletop. I've run a number of tabletop campaigns in the Battletech setting, most often set in an alternate history - experience that will help with setting things up for this TRO. My biggest ran from 2005 to 2012, with two days of gaming a week. Started in 3049, with nine players taking the role invading Clans and spheroid Houses, and ran until the end of our AU version of the Jihad that left the Inner Sphere almost unrecognizable. My current game follows the players and their mercenary company, Wallen's Vanguards, as they adventure around the Inner Sphere in the 3100's and face an oncoming attack from the resurgent Republic of the Sphere.

Doug Buchanan: Assistant Developer
Unlike Josh and Chris, I was only introduced to BattleTech in 2011. I was hooked after playing an introductory MegaMek game. Then I was introduced to Solaris SkunkWerks and my productivity has never quite recovered. I've since played in or run several MegaMek and AToW campaigns, and introduced a few people to tabletop BattleTech. I got involved in this project as one of the big custom unit nuts in our little community and to promote my obsessive love of light mechs.